A WAR memorial outside a Malvern church has been restored back to its former glory in time for Remembrance Sunday.
Following the launch of a public appeal for funds a year ago, the commemorative statue outside Holy Trinity Church has been reinstated marking an end to a project which originally started 12 years ago.
The work, which has cost more than £4,000, has been undertaken by stone masons Steve Allard and Sons of Callow End whose skills have allowed the memorial to pay tribute to the fallen once again with their names now clearly visible.
Generous donations came from residents and community groups as well as a grant from the War Memorials Trust worth in the region of £1,400.
And it is a case of perfect timing for everyone associated with the church as the restored memorial will be ready for re-dedication during the Remembrance Sunday service taking place this week (November 9).
The memorial was first installed on the church grounds in the 1920s and includes a pillar, capped with a Gothic cross, founded on an octagonal base.
But over time the memorial became dilapidated as the flat surfaces succumbed to weathering which led to the names of the fallen becoming significantly unreadable.
Out of the 75 names engraved, 51 are those from the town who served in the First World War between 1914 and 1918 while the other 24 are those who fought in the Second World War.
Because many of the names were unreadable, the restoration project began with extensive research to confirm the exact details of the fallen from both World Wars.
The results of the research collaborated can now be seen in a special Roll of Honour book – made separately to the restoration project – and a wooden commemorative plaque is located in the church.
Rex Thomas, war memorial restoration project officer at Holy Trinity Church, said: “We are delighted the war memorial has been restored.
“It has taken a lot of hard work and I would like to thank everybody who helped raise money, the response to our appeal was brilliant.
“Steve came to us recommended and we know why as he’s done such a wonderful job to make the memorial look as good as new.”
